Resources:

Orchid Types and Orchid Varieties – Care and Growing Information

Orchid Types and Orchid Varieties – Care and Growing Information

All of these orchids can be kept indoors and are easy to get hold of. They will be listed in current catalogues published by garden centres and nurseries and are all recommended, by specialists, for growing on windowsills.

If you click on the link beneath the image of each of the following orchid types, it will take you to a page with care and growing information about each specific orchid variety. For an explanation of the keywords relating to each of these orchid types, see below the image table on this page.

The first part of the name is always the botanical name of the genus, for example Cattleya. Beneath this is the common name if there is one. The introductory paragraph describes the orchid genus and gives a description of its appearance, lifestyle, special characteristics, etc. After this, you will find individual keywords with exact instructions on care.

Country of origin:

this is important information for the correct care of the species. An orchid from the warm and humid Caribbean region will have quite different requirements with respect to temperature, light, humidity and water than an orchid that originates from the cool, moist, Andean mountain forests.

Temperature range:

cool, temperate or warm. This division corresponds to growing positions in the original habitats of each plant. These are not exact, but rather approximate values. Some genera are represented in only one temperature region, others in all three.

Flowering time:

this indicates the main flowering season of a genus, species or hybrid. There is no indication here of how long the flower lasts or even of a possible secondary flowering. All statements are to be read as indications only, as the flowering time depends greatly on care and position. In many hybrids, the range of variation is so great that no definite flowering times can be given.

Colour of flowers:

all colours that may occur within the orchid genus are mentioned.

Position:

this gives indicators about light requirements as derived from the conditions in the country of origin of the plant.

Temperature:

you will find information on summer and winter temperatures and on the relevant daytime and night-time temperatures.

Watering:

this deals with proper care during watering, spraying and the vital necessity of humidity.

Fertilizing:

gives information on when and how often you need to feed the plant.

Repotting:

instructions on when and how often to repot a plant.

Compost:

I recommend that beginners use special ready-made orchid compost. Generally, there is a reference to the relevant section on care.

Propagation:

this indicates the method that is usually most successful for a particular genus.

Pests, diseases:

problems typical to certain species are described here.

My tip:

is a section in which I relate some of my own experiences or offer advice I have received from other orchid lovers and have tried out successfully myself.

Additional information:

The named species and hybrids were chosen according to attractiveness and ease of care. They represent a small selection from the huge kaleidoscope of internationally known orchids and their cultivars.

The species and hybrids of each genus have been listed according to their flowering times for a better overall view and ease of selection.

If you use this information skilfully, you will be able to grow flowering orchids all year round on your windowsill.